All About False Lashes

On the nights when an extra coat of mascara just won’t do, bust out a pair of false lashes and turn some heads. Don’t be afraid – I promise it’s not as hard as you think.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A Set of lashes (your choice)

Eyelash glue (I prefer Duo brand)

Small scissors

Tweezers

Mascara

Liquid liner

1. Choosing Lashes

False lashes come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are natural, some are super dramatic.If you prefer a doll-like doe eye, go for lashes that are long in the center. If you like a sexy cat-eye, get lashes that become longer towards the ends.You can also buy individual lashes. They take a little longer to apply but yield a very natural, controllable result.

2. Sizing Lashes

Every eye size is different. Remove lash strip from package and gently bend back and forth. This will help loosen up the lash strip, making it more pliable. Now, place lashes directly above lash line. Lashes should begin a few millimeters away from the inner corner of your eye.When cutting lashes down to size, always trim away the outer end. Do a little at a time – you don’t want to cut off too much!

3. Curl Lashes

Now is the time to curl your lashes. Once the lashes are glued on, it will be difficult to curl unruly lashes. Don't give your lashes too severe of a curl. Remember, your falsies need to lie against your natural lashes.

4. Adhesive

[styled_image image=http://theuntrendygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Lash-Placement.jpg lightbox=”yes” caption=”Adhesive is shown in red for demonstration.” align=”left” w=”150″]I like Duo adhesive. You can find it in any drugstore in the eyelash/beauty department. It looks like a milky white glue, but it will dry clear.

Now, there are many ways to go about this. You can apply glue directly from the tube onto lashes, but this method often results in too much glue. I like to deposit a dab of glue from the tube onto the back end of an eyeliner brush.

Now, hold lashes between your finger and gently run the glue evenly along the strip. You are looking for a thin, even layer of glue on the lash strip only.

Once adhesive is applied to lash strip – WAIT, about 20 seconds! Adhesive needs time to set and become tacky. If glue is too wet when you apply your lashes, the falsies will slide around and make a big sticky mess!

5. Apply Lashes

You’ve waited 20 seconds, and now you are ready to apply. Don’t be nervous.

Using either your fingers or a pair of tweezers, grasp the lash side of the falsies (lash strip facing you), tilt your head back (so that you are looking down, into your mirror) and gently place lash strip directly above your natural lashes.

Use the back of an eyeliner brush, pen, or any other clean stick-like object, to guide the lashes as close to your lash line as possible. Using the same utensil, gently press the lash strip against your skin. This will help to secure your falsies in place.

6. Finishing Touches

Initially, your lashes may feel funny. They will feel heavy and it may feel strange to look through them. As long as they are not pinching or painful, you will get used to the sensation. It will take about 15 minutes.

I like to apply a few light strokes of mascara after the falsies are on. It’s a good way to blend your natural lashes with the false ones. It also lifts the lashes so you don’t feel like you’re looking through a curtain of hair.

Fill in any gaps where skin shows with liquid liner. If for whatever reason, the lashes look completely atrocious and you’ve deemed them insalvageable – gently peel them off, remove dried glue, and start again.

7. Removal

Grasp the outer edge of lashes and gently pull up, toward the inner corner of your eye. If the falsies are stuck on your natural lashes, use soap and warm water to dissolve the glue a bit. Once the glue is more pliable, it should peel away more easily.

If the lashes are in good shape, peel dried glue off and place them in their original packaging. They’re good to go a couple more rounds.